Italian Soldiers, Silent Sentries of Iraqi People German Frigate Rescues Mariners in Arabian Sea Munitions Disposal Aids March O

ITALIAN SOLDIERS, SILENT SENTRIES OF IRAQI PEOPLE

Volume #24, June, 2005 Volume #24, June, 2005 Volume #24, June, 2005

GERMAN FRIGATE RESCUES MUNITIONS DISPOSAL AIDS MARINERS IN ARABIAN SEA MARCH OF LAW AND ORDER

Coalition Bulletin Coalition Bulletin Coalition Bulletin Coalition Bulletin Coalition Bulletin A publication of the Coalition fighting Global War on Terrorism A publication of the Coalition fighting Global War on Terrorism A publication of the Coalition fighting Global War on Terrorism IN THIS ISSUE:

General Abizaid Receives the Golden Medal of The Polish Armed Forces...... 1

Italian Soldiers, Silent Sentries of Iraqi People...... 2

German Frigate Rescues Mari- ners in Arabian Sea...... 3

THE COALITION EDITORIAL BOARD: Romanians Train the New Iraqi Pakistan Brig. Gen. Tariq Khan Army...... 4 Chairman Italians Continue Support of France Lt. Col. Benoit de Plinval MSO as ITS Libeccio Arrives in Spain Lt. Col. Juan de La Torre Canada Lt. Col. David Berry Region...... 5 Republic of Korea Lt. Col. Haksoo Shin Pakistan Col. Mahmood Tahir Canadians Improve Relations Italy Lt. Col. Mario Luppa Romania Maj. Sorin Dorobeti with Afghan Neighbors...... 6 Hungary Maj. Geza Boros-Lesko USA Maj. Kevin O’Neill NZ Munitions Disposal Aids Jordan Capt. Alftimat Abdalkhalq March of Law and Order...... 7 Committee

Pakistan Lt. Col. Ehtisham Tirmizi German Army Aviators Assist in Coalition Public Affairs Team Chief Major Working Operations...... 8

COALITION BULLETIN STAFF: Spain Builds Up Presence in Ukraine Maj. Oleksiy Andriushyn Editor-in-chief Western Afghanistan...... 9

New Zealand Cmdr. Wilson Trumper A Friendly Cricket Match...... 9 Azerbaijan Maj. Nameddin Karimov Romania Maj. Eliza Maria Guvir Infantry Training Does Not Need Moldova Capt. Diana Gradinaru Editorial Staff Long Explanation When It Is Taught, and Learned by Profes- sionals...... 10 Editor’s Note By the generous permission of our NATO partners, the Coalition Bulletin is pleased to bring you stories covering the activities of the International Security Assistance Force. As ISAF and the Coa- lition are separate entities, ISAF stories will be denoted by the NATO logo at the top of each page when QUOTE OF THE MONTH they appear.

Cover photo: Italian paratrooper of the “Brigata Paracadutisti “We have over 5,000 candidates for the Folgore”, Italian Joint Task Force, stands on guard for peace national assembly and for the provincial and stability in An Nasiriyah, Southern Iraq. assemblies. There are women from all the The views expressed in the Coalition Bulletin cannot be attributed to any one nation. They are items considered newsworthy by the volunteers from various nations that make up the Public Awareness provinces of the country will be coming to the Working Group (PAWG). Contributions from all Coalition countries are encouraged. All contributors to the Coalition Bulletin are responsible for adhering to PAWG policy pertaining to the accuracy and parliament. So the country is moving forward.” copyright laws in the content they provide. For questions concerning PAWG policy, contact the Coalition Bulletin editor at +1 (813) 827-1716, Hamid Karzai, or write to us at [email protected]. For an electronic copy of the Coalition Bulletin,

visit: www.centcom.mil/Operations/Coalition/joint.htm President of Afghanistan www.centcom.mil/Operations/Coalition/joint.htm Editorial General Abizaid Receives t is with a great sense of honour and The Golden Medal of Iprivilege that I begin this editorial, which is my first as the Chairman of The Polish Armed Forces the Public Awareness Group. I would like to commence this communication with a profound appreciation of the outgoing Chairman, Brigadier Neville Reilly who gave his best to this bulletin in terms of time as well as insight.

This Bulletin remains an expression of the commitment that the world’s largest military coalition has for the establishment of peace and stability at the global level. The War on Terror is an ongoing phenomenon that is likely to remain for some time to come. Whereas the military cooperation that combines its efforts to defeat the scourge of terrorism remains intact and alive, there is greater realisation and understanding that military operations can only shape the environment for peace; but cannot by themselves win the peace for all times to come. It is why, nations of the world have brought forward expertise, resource and funding On photos: During the award ceremony. to conflict torn regions in the endeavour and the hope to resolve matters so closely inter-woven in the fabric of social and human optimisation. By Maj. Mariusz Blach, CENTCOM is one such institution that structures, facilitates and the Polish Armed Forces coordinates international assistance within its areas of operation. This n June 7 the Polish Armed Forces presented the Golden area spans from the Horn of Africa through Iraq and all the way up to OMedal to General John Philip Abizaid, USCENTCOM Com- Afghanistan. mander. The decoration was presented by Brigadier General Kazimierz Sikorski – the Polish Military Attaché to The United As the War on Terror gradually begins to focus on rehabilitation States of America on behalf of the Polish Minister of National of people and restructuring of the environment, terrorists too, shift Defense. their battle to civilians in the street and an unarmed public. It is this restructuring and these people that the terrorists so brutally choose to The Medal of The Polish Armed Forces is designed to target as they undertake their strategy of chaos and confusion. They do this, so that the writ of legitimate governments remain limited and honor foreign citizens and Poles living abroad who made an ex- restricted and the prevailing vacuum allows them to continue undertaking ceptional contribution in the area of cooperation between Polish a war without substance; where the people that they wish to liberate Military and Armed Forces of other countries. are themselves the target of their liberation. However, what is usually lost in the fury of combat or the dust and smoke of violence are the The presentation of the Golden Medal of the Polish Armed many stories of hospitals, schools and infrastructure that CENTCOM Forces to General Abizaid is a symbol of Polish appreciation for with its partners are responsible for setting up and establishing. Despite the outstanding support which the Polish Armed Forces received the distractions of bombings and hostage taking, the Global War on in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Terror has definitely begun to turn the corner as the peoples of these regions begin to find themselves more and more relevant in shaping The presentation itself is an act of symbolism enabling the their own destiny and future. They do this as the Coalition Partners Polish Military Authorities to present Polish appreciation to United conduct training missions and support operations to make the security agencies in these countries more and more operationally capable. No States, to the USCENTCOM staff in their efforts in the Global one should doubt that the Coalition’s underline objective and goal is to War on Terrorism, through the USCENTCOM Commander. allow these agencies to take control of their areas while they establish the writ of their respective Governments. That these Governments Participants attending the ceremony were the Senior Na- then apply themselves autonomously to the task that all legitimate tional Representatives from the nations that have contributed to governments, the world over, have always done, i.e. “ensure the well the Multi-National Division “Center South”, the US Central Com- being of their people.” mand, the Coalition Coordination Center staff officers and Polish Liaison Team. CB In this vein, this Bulletin is dedicated to the many men women in the operational areas of CENTCOM, from the many countries that comprise this coalition, embedded in the regional and local armies and police, as they extend their services to train, equip and organise these forces to help themselves. The reader shall find amongst these pages the stories of this band of soldiers reaching out to humanity and fellow man. He shall read about rescue missions and sometimes humanitarian assistance. He shall learn a little off training roles and lot about cooperation as whole populations are rehabilitated. Tariq Khan Brigadier-General, Pakistan Chairman, Public Awareness Working Group

Coalition Bulletin June 2005 1 Italian Soldiers, Silent Sentries of Iraqi People

Italian and Romanian are training Iraqi Army on Military Operation in Urban Terrain (MOUT).

By Lt. Col. Mario Luppa, Italian Army ing “Heaven” in my ears, I was staring at the he Boeing 207 was ready to take sky of Rome in that clear night... and said off at 2.50 B Time, 220 blood broth- goodbye to the eternal town. Ters and I; destination the Airport of Kuwait City. From there, one C-130 of As soon as in the aircraft I mentally the Italian Air Force was going to board double-checked my equipment, my best re- and transport the first part of us to Tallil source, what I had been given to survive Air Force Base. And that is how the Op- and to accomplish my mission at his best. eration Babilonia 7 started for me, one of After that, I closed my eyes and slept. A long the paras of my second family, the trip over grounds without trees, only some “Folgore” Brigade. strips of water… and seas of sand.

While the singer Elisa was sound- I reached Iraqi town Nassyria the day after at dusk, and incredible to say, once in a life time even the feathered soldiers, Italian Bersaglieri, always in competition with us, paras, where very happy to see us… we were proud Italians, we were all brothers, we were in the same mission now, named Iraqi Freedom.

We, paratroopers, will keep training the Iraqi Security Forces as they have done, and that is fun- damental. Iraqi Security Forces, the forces that will ensure peace, peace of mind and security to the local people even when we will be gone; Iraqi women, children and men, people On photos: Italian paratroopers are patrolling Dhi Qar province. People of Iraq who have suffered too

and Italian soldiers. much. CB www.centcom.mil/Operations/Coalition/joint.htm 2 German Frigate Rescues Mariners in Arabian Sea Our predecessors have already made plenty of By CTF-150 Public Affairs good works: hospitals have ANAMA, Bahrain – German frig- been restored and made effi- ate FGS Karlsruhe (F212) rescued cient, they have repaired M six distressed mariners June 9 as it con- pipe line for oil and water, ducted maritime security operations schools have been re- (MSO) in the Arabian Sea as part of Com- opened and equipped with mander, Task Force 150. personal computers and good equipment. Karlsruhe answered a distress call from Motor Vessel Sarah after the tugboat And for doing so, experienced severe engine problems. even at present time they need us, Italian soldiers, de- “It’s a longstanding tradition that ployed on the sunny ground we help fellow mariners who are in dis- of Iraq, sentries for them. Se- tress and that’s exactly what Karlsruhe curity is the issue, security did,” said Commodore Anthony Rix, com- that will deny the insurgents mander of the Coalition Task Force. “The ground for taking out the mariners were found to be in relatively fair hope from these children condition. The Karlsruhe team discovered eyes’. U.S., British, Roma- that the Sarah had no food or fuel aboard nian, Danish… United we and transferred the mariners to the frigate stand… We trust, we work; for their safety and well-being.” we are going to do it and to do it well.”

A team from Karlsruhe was dis- patched to assess the damage and concluded the tug could not be repaired at Those words come from a letter one sea. Sarah’s crew was transferred by heli- Italian soldier addressed to his mother in copter to Karlsruhe and the frigate towed Italy, and his mother e-mailed it to her best the vessel to Omani territorial waters where friend, a journalist of a National newspaper. it was handed over to the Omani coast A voice, therefore, that comes from real life, guard June 11. the world of flesh and blood in dry and dusty Al Nassyria, where the Italian Joint Task Maritime security operations (MSO) Force is based. set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment as well as He is one of the soldiers of the complement the counter-terrorism and se- “Brigata Paracadutisti Folgore” which has curity efforts of regional nations. MSO replaced the “Brigata Bersaglieri Garibaldi” deny international terrorists use of the since the 21st of April and that will stay until maritime environment as a venue for at- the end of Summer 2005. tack or to transport personnel, weapons, or other material. It is additional evidence that solidar- ity and good is what is behind coalition sol- Coalition maritime forces operate diers’ armour, soldiers that are convinced to throughout international waters in the defend the best values that they have grown Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, up with. CB and the Red Sea. CB

Coalition Bulletin June 2005 3 Romanians Train the New Iraqi Army

1LT Daniel Derevlean is giving the next objective for a IA platoon leader. Assault on the objective: IA troops attacking an Major Daniel Petrescu, commander of Calugareni is receiving a plate from the commander of the objective under RO instructors’ supervision. 72nd IA Bde, after a MOUT course termination. After-action review. Story and photos by Capt Carol Florea, Iraqi security forces. After the At the moment, the Roma- dures and tactics in Military Romanian Battalion training, these forces will be sub- nian forces, in cooperation with Operations in Urban Terrain “Cãlugãreni” PIO ordinated under the Provincial Italian Multinational Specialized (MOUT) with a duration of urrently under the op- Governor in order to carry out Unit (MSU), have finished the three weeks, completing the erational control of the stabilization and security opera- first two training courses, based last course in the first week of CItalian “Folgore” Air- tions. on teaching techniques, proce- July. borne Brigade, the Romanian 1LT Cristian Ichimescu speaks with a IA platoon leader. 2nd Infantry Battalion Captain Laurentiu “Cãlugãreni” led by Major Matei, Chief of the Security Daniel Petrescu conducts op- Sector Reform project from erations such as patrolling “Cãlugãreni” said: „Iraqi sol- missions on the main routes, diers are very interested in security of some infrastructure what we are teaching them and elements – oil-pipelines and they were improving from electric supply lines- security week to week”. of the Camp Mittica, Civil-military cooperation (CIMIC) ac- Led by Captain Marius tivities and the important task Serban, about forty Romanian of training the new Iraqi Army instructors are currently par- (IA). ticipating in the training du- ties of the IA held in White The training of the new Horse IA base (10 km from IA represents one of the main Camp Mittica) using their efforts of the MNF in Iraq. Its knowledge and skills for the purpose is to train and develop benefit of the IA officers and the operational ability, self-re- soldiers. liance and the capacity to op-

erate in cooperation with other „I have a magic team of www.centcom.mil/Operations/Coalition/joint.htm 4 Italians Continue Support of MSO as ITS Libeccio Arrives in Region instructors, comprising staff Meanwhile, starting in By Chief Petty Officer Tom Jones, U.S. Naval seargents Balaceanu Vasile, April, 2nd Infantry Battalion Forces Central Command Public Affairs Iulian Tufeanu Florin, Florin “Cãlugãreni” performed joint ANAMA, Bahrain – Dur- means that support the terror- Stan, Leonard Unciuleanu, patrol missions with Iraqi forces Ming a media availability ists” is one of the results MSO Catalin Ilinca, Mihai Nichifor, from 604th IA Battalion. The aim June 13 aboard the Italian frigate is having on the maritime en- Gheorghe Nicolae, Liviu is to evaluate and monitor the ITS Libeccio in port Manama, vironment Ribuffo said. Banica, Nicolae Carausu, Cezar operational capabilities of this Bahrain, Lt. Cmdr. Pierpaolo Costea and Marian Cazan. I am unit, conduct several joint Ribuffo, MSO sure that my platoon leaders, CIMIC activities such as humani- Libeccio’s set the 1LT Daniel Derevlean, 1LT tarian aid distribution or medical command- conditions Volosincu Iulian and 1 LT assitance to the local population ing officer, for secu- Cristian Ichimescu will trans- in the AOR, and be ready to sup- said one of rity and form these soldiers into a reli- port the activity of the Iraqi sol- the most stability in able and capable force, which diers in the checkpoints along challeng- the mari- will make Iraq safer and more Bagdad-Basra route. ing things time envi- he and his ronment Every crew face as well as mission car- is to en- comple- ried out is sure mariners who sail this ment the counter-terrorism and followed by region’s waters understand the security efforts of regional na- an After Ac- coalition’s role. tions. MSO deny international tion Review terrorists use of the maritime and a key “The most challenging environment as a venue for at- leaders thing we have to face is to allow tack or to transport personnel, mentoring the mariners to perceive clearly weapons, or other material. activity for that we are here to help [those] any defi- who want peaceful use of the Ribuffo said that the Chief of Italian General Staff admiral Di Paola ciency that sea,” said Ribuffo. “This is a coalition’s efforts are having congratulating captain Marius Serban and 1LT Daniel Derevlean. ocurred. great part of our job.” an impact in the region. “The coalition, in some cases, has peaceful”, said Libeccio relieved the frig- actually found out that the Serban. ate ITS Grecale June 8, a move crew or simply the owner of a that marked Italy’s continued [particular] ship that has been Initially, it commitment to support the coa- boarded was tied to activities is worth men- lition effort to ensure security that we are trying to prevent,” tioning that and stability in the maritime en- said Ribuffo. “Cãlugãreni” vironment. Libeccio will conduct will be involved maritime security operations Vice Adm. David in the training of (MSO) as part of Task Force 152. Nichols, commander, U.S. Na- only one IA Iraqi Army soldiers during a training exercise. val Forces Central Command company, based Coalition maritime forces and the Combined Forces on the skills and capabilities Addressing the young operate throughout the 2.2 mil- Maritime Component Com- of the Romanian unit, it was Iraqi Army officers and enlisted lion square miles of international mand, said coalition forces like decided to train two more IA personnel after the course termi- waters in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf Libeccio provide key capabili- companies from other Iraqi nation 1LT Daniel Derevlean said: of Oman, Gulf of Aden, and the ties in this region’s maritime provinces. All the materials „To live in such historical times Red Sea. One of the main rea- environment. and equipment for training and is not easy. A few years ago, in sons Ribuffo said the Libeccio accomodation facilities are Romania, I was proud when my and ships from other coalition “The coalition brings a provided by MNF. country accomplished many countries conduct patrols in the tactical and operational level goals in its way towards democ- region is to prevent terrorists skill-set that serve us very well Moreover, within Tallil racy. from using the maritime environ- in the coalition environment Regional Training Center, two ment. and there is true synergistic Romanian specialists in infan- You are in the first wave of effect there,” Nichols said. try weapons, participate in the change in Iraq and your broth- “Preventing the sea from “The tighter [the terrorists] see training of the Iraqi instructors ers and sisters will see you as being used by terrorists, either the coalition partners working who will man this Center, the new Iraqi Army, in which they for attacks or for transferring together, the more difficult it alongside British, Italian and will put all their hopes for a peace- arms or weapons or other goods is going to be for them to do Australian troops. ful and better life.” CB which can become some of the the things they want to do.”CB

Coalition Bulletin June 2005 5 Canadians Improve Relations with Afghan Neighbors means of demonstrating their intentions to work with the Afghans to find a mutually beneficial solution to the prob- lem of relocating outside the training area the Canadians delivered the large quantity of supplies to help ease the living conditions for these people.

“We recently arrived in the area to begin setting up the ANTC and we quickly re- alized we had to meet with local Afghans to explain the sig- nificance of setting up this new facility,” explained Major André Desrochers, Com- manding Officer of the Cana- dian ANTC Det. “It is very important to us that we work hand in hand with the Af- ghans living in the area to the benefit of all.”

“Tashakur Canada!”: Afghan children say “Thank you” after receiving desks delivered by members of the Canadian Mr. Sayeed Ahmad, the Afghan National Training Center Detachment. elder of the village of Jaru ac- By Capt. Marc Turgeon, the stability of the democrati- over time several Afghan refu- companied by over 65 chil- Canadian cally elected Afghan Govern- gees have settled in the area af- dren welcomed the soldiers as ANTC Detachment ment. As well, it will help en- ter returning from many years of they arrived to meet to dis- anadian, American and sure security of the ongoing exile in Pakistan. cuss the situation and deliver Afghan soldiers from progress towards the future the quality of life supplies. Cthe Afghan National parliamentary and the provin- The Canadian members of Training Centre Detachment cial elections in Afghanistan the ANTC Det felt it was very Maj Desrochers and (ANTC Det) conducted an his team sat down with Mr. outreach visit to the villages Ahmad to listen to the situa- of Jaru and Buyah, situated at tion in Jaru. During the ensu- the northern edge of the ANTC ing conversation, Mr. Ahmad training area outside Kabul. explained that as the situation in the country improves, Af- As part of the visit, the ghans are returning from Pa- Canadian soldiers delivered a kistan and they are looking for significant quantity of quality somewhere to settle where of life goods including a num- they will have farmland, ber of desks, school supplies houses, and wells. and clothing donated by con- cerned Canadians and orga- The village of Jaru can- nized through the Camp Julien not support so many people Humanitarian Club. and as a result these refugees have moved into an area that The ANTC was created is planned to be a weapons Master Warrant Officer Ron Swift shares a smile with a young Afghan. by the United States Army to range for the ANTC. facilitate the training of the later this year. important to establish lines of fledging Afghan National communications with these Af- The following day, the Army. A strong national Af- The ANTC is located on ghans and the visits to Jaru and same team traveled to Buyah,

ghan military is essential for Government land; however, Buyah were organized. As a a smaller community in the www.centcom.mil/Operations/Coalition/joint.htm 6 Munitions Disposal Aids March of Law and Order area near the ANTC, to hold similar discussions with village elders. The same concerns were raised yet both sides were reassured that a positive solution could be found.

In the meantime, the ANTC detachment delivered a large quantity of desks and school supplies as well as clothing. As a result of this donation, the village of Buyah is able to set-up a new school facility for the hundreds of children who live in the area.

“As one of the NATO countries in Afghanistan, we are rightly focussed in providing support and security to the Af- ghan Government structure, yet so much is still to be accomplished,” stated Colo- nel Walter Semianiw, Commander of Task Force Kabul. Director of Bamyan Province National Directorate of Security, Gulum Paikar, thanks Major Derek Tunui for the NZ PRT involvement in the disposal of munitions. “However as human beings, it is Story by Grant Carr, NZDF, photos NZDF impossible for us to remain passive to the Reprinted from New Zealand Army News der and was a positive sign that should challenges facing Afghans as they aw and order marched on in Bamyan be widely publicized. struggle to build a brighter future for them- early last month when almost six selves. Ltonnes of weapons and ammunition “Not only was it important for the were accepted for disposal by NZPRT Com- weapons and ammunition be taken out of mander Group Captain John Duxfield. circulation in the build up to the country’s upcoming elections, but it was also im- Communities in the Darrahe Jalmes portant for the whole community to see Valley, 30km north east of the Kiwi base, all three agencies working together to- handed the munitions in to the Bamyan Prov- wards a common goal,” he said. ince National Directorate of Security, which in turn handed them to the NZPRT for dis- Gulum Paikar said the handover posal. would not have been possible without the combined efforts of the NDS, Police and Captain Ray Brown takes a break with a young The Bamyan explosive ordnance dis- NZPRT. The three representatives – Afghan following the delivery of desks, school posal operator disposed of the munitions, Gulum Paikar, Bamyan Chief of Police Gen- supplies and clothing donated by Canadians. which consisted of 165 107mm high explo- eral Ghulam Ali Wahadat and Gp Capt That is why it is imperative that we sive rockets; 242 boxes of ammunition; 457 Duxfield – agreed the appointment of new work closely with them to ensure that the 82mm HE mortar rounds; 103 82mm recoil- Governor, Habiba Sarabi, said much for progress we are making on a security front less rifle HE rounds; and 600 rocket and the Central Government’s confidence in does not impede their efforts to improve mortar fuses. Bamyan’s security situation. CB their lives.” An overview of some of the six tonnes of weapons and Gp Capt Duxfield ammunition recently handed to the NZ PRT for disposal. The discussions ended with a great thanked NDS Director deal of information gathered about the Gulum Paikar and Darrahe situation and positive relationships estab- Jalmes spiritual leader, lished. The commitment was made that the Mullah Olem, for facilitat- ANTC would work with these communi- ing the handover. ties to come to a mutually beneficial solution to the situation. He said taking the weapons out of the com- There is still a significant amount munity represented a sig- of work to be done, but it will be done nificant step in securing together. CB the province’s law and or-

Coalition Bulletin June 2005 7 German Army Aviators Assist in Major Rescue Operation storms they were soon cut off from all lines of communication. They could not move any further and were facing a des- perate situation. After a while, they received initial supplies by airlift. US paratroopers landed for initial assistance and to prepare their recovery.

Early morning on Oct 19th, 2004 two German transport CH-53 helicopters got airborne for a very special rescue mission. A German C-160 Transall aircraft was fly- ing in an overhead orbit to ensure a communications link to all participating units and headquarters. The CH-53 is the work- horse of the German Army and a very reli- able and capable helicopter.

For this mission however, it had to be stressed to its limits. The level of oxygen was extremely low due to more than 13,000 ft elevation of the terrain. The flight German soldiers provide the medical assistance for Afghans. had to be executed in more than 25,000 ft Story by German Liaison Team, due to obstruction clearance enroute. The CCC, USCENTCOM Kunduz. But the scheduled UN helicopter crews had to be equipped with additional Photos by German Army had to make a forced landing due to techni- oxygen breathing gear. nder the most difficult circum- cal problems and could not pick them up. stances and under the risk to their Time was a critical factor. So the Afghans The helicopter crews spotted the Uown lives, four Afghan assistants decided to march to their destination, carry- Afghans on a plateau at 13,000 ft eleva- and two policemen tion. Upon landing, the brought ballot boxes over crews were facing the dan- the Hindukush. Helpers in ger of a ‘white out’ be- time of need: German and cause of heavy snow cov- American soldiers. erage. However, all the Af- ghans could be taken on In a country fated by board safely. war, suppression and chaos for decades, people During the flight only have one overall aim: back to Kunduz, the Af- living in peace and having ghans received medical a stable government. Ger- emergency treatment. many, as part of the Inter- They were very cold, de- national Security Assis- hydrated and had severe tance Force (ISAF), sup- respiratory problems. ports the Afghan interim Tired but lucky they were government in establishing taken to the field hospital stability and security. of the German Provincial Reconstruction Team in The drive for de- German CH-53 helicopter landed in rough terrain for rescuing Afghan helpers and Kunduz for further treat- mocracy is a high priority policemen. ment upon landing. for the Afghan people. That became obvious by the dedicated ing four ballot boxes with the votes of the The ballot boxes were taken to actions of four Afghan assistants and two people from this remote province of the Kunduz in sound condition and in time, policemen in the northeastern province of country. so the votes could be counted for the first Badakshan, Oct 2004. Originally they were democratic and free elections in Afghani-

supposed to return to the province capital Marching through blizzard like snow- stan. CB www.centcom.mil/Operations/Coalition/joint.htm 8 Spain Builds Up Presence A Friendly in Western Afghanistan Cricket Match Story by Lt. Col. Juan A. de la Torre, Photos by Spain Air Forces PA Office the Badghis. The government ricket is a sport in the officials mentioned the more ur- CCommonwealth Coun- n 18 May 05 Spain as- The capabilities and facili- gent projects. The Spanish mili- tries. These include Great Brit- sumed command of ties provided by the FSB include tary has already started the clean ain, Australia, New Zealand, Othe new Forward a ROLE 2 medical facility with in- up of the numerous unexploded Pakistan, West Indies, India Support Base (FSB) in Herat. frastructure, procurement and ordinance and weapons in the and Sri Lanka, which are the The Ceremony was held with maintenance capability. Spain is vicinity of Qala-i-Naw. The PRT major flag holders for this the presence of Gen. Back JFC also providing an Aviation ele- will reach Initial Operational Ca- sport. North who has the overall re- ment and a QRF company which pability (IOC) by the end of June, The United States fielded its first International Cricket in 2004, and is the youngest member of the cricket playing families.

Col. Guillermo Vaya, Commander of Most of the flights to support deployment in Herat were done by two the new ISAF FSB in Western Afghanistan. Spanish C-130 based in Manas, Kyrgyzstan. A friendly Cricket match sponsibility for the NATO op- are collocated with the FSB. Two civilian officers and NGOs will was played between two erations in Afghanistan. Air SuperPuma helicopters will pro- join the military personnel in the teams at MacDill Air Force Force Colonel Guillermo Vaya vide MEDEVAC capability and short term. The PRT will facili- Base on 16 Jun 05. One team is the designated commander three COUGAR helicopters will tate the development of govern- comprised of players from of the FSB. support the QRF company. ment structures, extend govern- Great Britain captained by ment control Wing Commander Ian Shields The throughout the and the other consisted of Forward Sup- Badghis’s prov- players from Pakistan, Austra- port Base has ince and assist lia, New Zeland, Sweden and been built up reconstruction USA led by Chief of Staff over the last and humanitar- USCENTCOM Major General two months ian efforts. Castellaw. by Italian and Spanish Air Spain is Force. The contributing to FSB will pro- the Italian-led vide logistic Regional Au- support to the thority Coordi- four Province nator (RAC) This event organized by Reconstruc- with the Chief of Pakistani Liaison Team, pro- tion Teams Staff and six vided an interesting outdoor

(PRTs) in SuperPuma MEDEVAC helicopter arrives to Herat Airfield. staff officers. activity for member countries Western Af- and their families. The Com- ghanistan: Farah, Chagcharan, On 30 May 05 the com- The Spanish deployment monwealth team won the Herat and Qala-I-Naw under mander of the Spanish PRT in will be completed by the end of match. A Pakistani Dinner respective responsibility of Qala-i-Naw, Army Col. June with up to 540 personnel at was arranged with traditional U.S., Lithuania, Italy and Gumersindo Vega, briefed the Af- the Herat FSB and Qala-i-Naw delights. The Brits provided Spain. ghan authorities and notables of PRT. CB the soft drinks and otherwise. CB

Coalition Bulletin June 2005 9 Infantry Training Does Not Need a Long Explanation When It Is Taught, and Learned by Professionals

Officers and NCOs, reservists or ac- tive, of the US infantry company were glad to see how their French comrades were enthusiastic to follow such an instruction cycle.

The first phase occurred Tuesday, April the 26th. An operations officer, a platoon leader, four squad leaders and four team leaders of the French battalion infantry company followed instruction given by four American drill instructors.

SSGTs Benson, Hall, Regis, and Cor- poral Davis showed the legionnaires a panel of combat techniques learned by American infantrymen (door clearing, and room entering, all round defence, progres- sion in hall, corner observation, and so on). French and American soldiers during a joint training. By Maj. Frederic Feuillâtre, by a specialist who can initiate noises, Obeying US drill step by step prin- Information advisor to the smoke, and fire. After the training, the drill ciples, they were followed and sharply ob- French Contingent Commander instructor debriefs all participants, using the served by their US instructors. First, exer- hen two infantrymen from dif film made during combat phase. cises are conducted with only a weapon, ferent nations participate and then with more and more gear, Win the same meeting, they concluded by a fully equipped understand each other without long phase for the complete team. speeches. The liaison officer of the ISAF French battalion and the op- The entire job was fulfilled in erations officer of the US Quick Re- an excellent atmosphere, US instruc- action Force company of Coalition tors, mostly reservists, were happy camp at Bagram were present at the and proud to teach the legionnaires same coordination meeting between whose involvement was at the high- the Coalition and ISAF. During dis- est level. cussions, they agree that it could be useful to train together. The Frenchmen were very interested to learn new techniques Mainly interested in combat in and SOPs. During a second phase, a built up area, they started a dis- it will be their turn to teach and train cussion, whose conclusion was an their own soldiers. invitation given to the French legionnaires by the American officer to train Now is the start of the hard alongside his men in a new training part, everyone beginning a demand- and instruction facility tested in ing period for the platoon who will Bagram. One can imagine that the be lucky enough to come back to French captain didn’t hesitate, and Bagram and train in the Afghan accepted invitation. MOUT compound under the sharp eye of their American instructors. The installation is part of the MOUT (Military Operations in Ur- No doubt everybody wishes ban Terrain) system. It is an experi- he will meet again his new friends. mental reproduction of a typical Af- Pleasure and simplicity were the ghan compound of three houses in- mark of this very fruitful day. All of side a wall fence. Inside it, a network them are expecting many more days

of incidents can be remote controlled like this one. CB www.centcom.mil/Operations/Coalition/joint.htm Coalition Bulletin June 2005 10